STEAM "Three-tier Architecture" Applying Innovation and Technology Knowledge

Yuen Long Long Ping Estate Wai Chow SchoolWith the educational goal of cultivating students to make good use of knowledge and skills to cope with future challenges, we actively construct diversified learning experiences and promote STEAM education in a way that connects various disciplines. Principal Cheng Ting-fai attaches great importance to the development of each student in innovation and technology, and is committed to providing them with different learning opportunities that expose them to STEAM, so as to increase their interest in mathematics, science, technology and other fields, and to cultivate 21st century common abilities such as creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. The school adopts strategic curriculum design and uses the "three-tier structure" as the teaching framework to enable students to absorb more STEAM-related knowledge from different learning experiences inside and outside the classroom, and apply the knowledge they have learned in life.

Interdisciplinary project learning, comprehensive applied knowledge

The first level of the "three-tier structure" implements the whole-school participation model. Through inter-disciplinary project learning in mathematics, general knowledge and computer subjects, students are allowed to integrate the knowledge of different subjects and apply it to the project study. For example, sixth grade students need to make use of the calculation of time learned in mathematics and the knowledge of biology and environment topics in general knowledge. In conjunction with the application of computer programming concepts, such as sequential, repetitive and variable coding, they use design and cycle methods to build an intelligent irrigation system to solve some life problems. After completion, students need to report the results to their classmates in class.

In addition, there are multiple intelligence classes in science and technology for grades one to six. For example, in grade five, students are required to make a space trisphere by applying astronomical knowledge of solar and lunar eclipses in the general knowledge subject, supplemented by model making and poster design, to comprehensively display the knowledge they have learned.

To cultivate students’ interest in mathematics, physics and science based on enrichment

The second layer of the structure is based on enrichment, allowing students to explore STEAM from diverse learning experiences outside the classroom. Earlier, the general knowledge and visual arts teachers led the fifth grade students to visit the M+ Museum to learn about the design of artworks and the load-bearing principles of chairs from a STEAM perspective to inspire students' design thinking. Director Liang Jiazhun, who is in charge of STEAM education, said that the school hopes that every off-campus visit can enrich children’s learning. "The school will also organize STEAM Day for students as an innovation and technology activity for the whole school. On the day of STEAM Day, product design, special topics and booth activities will be held at all levels. Students can experience scientific exploration and high-tech, and at the same time provide hands-on opportunities to cultivate their interest in science and technology through exploration."

Arrange different top-notch groups to participate in competitions and realize their potential

The third level structure is mainly to cultivate students who have a strong interest in STEAM and potential in mathematics, science and technology. The school has launched different types of STEAM extracurricular activities this year, such as: mBot robot programming, VR virtual reality courses, IoT smart city courses, VEX IQ robotics courses and small robotics classes. Recently, the VEX Robotics Top Team went to Queensland, Australia to compete in the VEX IQ Robot Promotion Competition. Director Liang shared: "Students need to keep practicing, try over and over again, and collaborate with children from other schools in competitions. Through competitions, not only can children improve their knowledge and skills, but they can also develop their abilities in team spirit, social interaction, and problem-solving."

The school has STEAM interest classes and top-notch groups for junior primary students, such as a small robotics class for primary one students and a VR virtual reality course for primary two and three students. Primary two and three students need to use CoSpaces software to design a virtual ideal garden in their minds, and will also experience it through VR glasses. Director Liang pointed out that he hopes to stimulate students' interest in learning science and technology and enhance their creativity and problem-solving abilities through different types of extracurricular activities, thereby making life better.

Community activity promotion STEAM communication platform to display learning results

The school actively organizes diversified innovation and technology learning activities to provide students with a platform to showcase their learning achievements. Earlier, the school took students to a sister school in the Mainland to conduct a programming exchange class. Schools in the two places exchanged views on visual arts and programming topics, shared what they learned with each other, and jointly expanded their understanding and application of innovation and technology knowledge. In addition, the school also participated in the "Yuen Long District Quality Education Exhibition", arranging STEAM ambassadors in the school to share their learning journeys and showcase their creative products to parents in the district and guests from outside schools to enhance their confidence and motivation in innovation and technology learning. The school also held a "STEM Parent-Child Workshop" at the open day to introduce simple scientific concepts to kindergarten students and their parents, allowing children to personally participate, operate and explore, thereby promoting the concept and importance of STEAM education to the public.